Introduction

Join a crew of Arrowmen dedicated to cheerful service on this 14-day adventure. Your trip starts on the flanks of Mt. Phillips, with a week of trail construction, and culminates with a journey through Philmont’s backcountry specially chosen for you and your new brothers. Prepare to be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Who May Participate?

To be able to participate in the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew program, participants must meet the following requirements:

Be a registered member of both the Boy Scouts of America and a local Order of the Arrow lodge.

Be at least 16 years old the day the program begins and not yet 21 by the time it ends.

Be physically fit, able to lift and handle materials up to 50 pounds (Philmont height and weight guidelines will be strictly enforced).

Scouts from the same unit, or otherwise acquainted, will be placed in separate crews. No exceptions!

No exceptions can be made to these requirements. Selection for this program is competitive and is both an honor and a privilege.

What Activities Does the Program Include?

Trail building is tough. The work-site experience is full of long, strenuous days requiring a great deal of physical effort. Participants are expected to work with great diligence, as the trail that is being built is designed to last for more than 75 years and protect the beautiful landscape of Philmont Scout Ranch. Other than trail-building techniques, Scouts will strengthen their leadership skills; learn advanced wilderness and low-impact camping skills; observe and participate in group wilderness safety, good judgment, and motivation activities; and receive special OA instruction. The project's mission is to maintain, reinforce, and enhance the purpose of the Order of the Arrow by using Scouting camping traditions.

How Do I Apply?

Each participant must complete an application form (approved by both the Scout executive and lodge adviser), and receive parental permission if younger than age 18.

Session Dates

Session #

Dates

1

June 8 – 22

2

June 15 - 29

3

June 22 - July 6

4

June 29 - July 13

5

July 6 – 20

6

July 13 – 27

7

20 - Aug 3

8

27 - Aug 10

9

Aug 3 - 17

Shuttle Information

The Order of the Arrow is offering an opportunity for Arrowmen to join together in cheerful service and the formation of lasting brotherhood on the trails of Philmont Scout Ranch. Under the direction of the Philmont Conservation Department, experienced Philmont staff members with strong Order of the Arrow backgrounds will lead participants on the two-week trail crew and trek.

The first week focuses on trail construction and maintenance under the guidance of Philmont trail crew members. The second week is a seven-day backpacking trek that participants design. The program is not simply building trails and hiking, though; the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew is ultimately a journey that challenges Scouts mentally, physically, and spiritually.

About Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.